Ice Cream Ends Unprocessed Foods Streak

I cheated. I may have splurged on some ice cream.  And, possibly some chips. Forgive me, readers, I had company visiting. 

While I could have offered them ants on a log and carrot sticks as an afternoon snack, I knew that such healthy appetizers are not “special occasion food,” particularly for those who are not willingly participating in the unprocessed food challenge. So, even though I didn’t complete a flawless 10 day “real food” stint, the experience still gave me some food for thought (look I made a pun).

Join us at the City of Manassas Farmers Market Thursdays at the Harris Pavilion and Saturdays in Parking Lot B (corner of West and Prince William Streets) from 7:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.

It has been a fascinating and sometimes trying adventure these last 10 days.  First, being forced to make many things from scratch that I wouldn’t ordinarily make on my own, like last week’s tortillas and this week’s granola, made me realize that a marginal amount of extra effort can make me healthier and make my food more delicious. It’s worth it. I’ve felt stronger this week.  I’ve felt motivated to get to the gym, and while working out, I have more energy. 

Yes, there are other factors that could contribute to this, but I think it’s likely that putting pure things into my body helps me to feel better and work harder for a healthier me. On a deeper level, this challenge started me thinking about the human relationship with the body and the earth. 

Our new ways of eating create more space between ourselves and our planet.  Chemically created or genetically modified foods sever a relationship that has existed for many years between animal (yes, I am referring to us humans as animals here) and environment.  We live on a land that provides for us, through fruits, vegetables, grains, and grazing land for animals. What a gift! Why are we trying to substitute natural foods for unhealthy creations? 

This Eve Ensler quote reinforced my thoughts. I found it while doing some food blog reading the other day.

“If you are divided from your body, you are also divided from the body of the world. Which then appears to be other than you, separate from you, rather from the living continuum to which you belong.”

What I gleaned from this quote was that to be comfortable in our bodies, our vessels through which we navigate life, we must find a way to connect with our world—through eating fresh, real food, and by spending time in the wonderful environment around us.  Make yourself a part of this “living continuum.”  

One of the best starting points for this life change is at the Farmer’s Market.  Take your kids to walk around a market filled with nature’s bounty.   Soak up the sun and the fresh air and experience the joy of biting into sweet corn or an heirloom tomato or a juicy peach.  It’ll be worth it.  And more than anything, this experience will help you and your family to find “roots,” to reconnect with the body and discover the bountiful world in which we live.